Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis
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Clinic
- It is a form of vasculitis caused by the deposition of abnormal proteins called cryoglobulins.
- These immunoglobulin proteins are soluble at normal body temperatures, but become insoluble below 37 °C (98.6 °F) and subsequently may aggregate within smaller blood vessels.
- It most commonly affect the skin, causing a raised, pinpoint rash on the lower extremities known as purpura.
- Kidneys may additionally be affected by this form of vasculitis, resulting in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.
- Fevers, painful muscles and joints, and peripheral nerve damage are other common manifestations of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.
Manifestations
- At least 50% of patients with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis have only mild symptoms.
- More severe symptoms involve renal, gastrointestinal, and neurological damage with cardiovascular and respiratory complications